Finance trumps Flag

Article by Heather-Lynn Evanson

THE FINANCE OF CHRISTMAS will continue to trump the Flag and Independence as retailers cry out in the tough economic times, the heads of two organisations admitted yesterday.

And while both the president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Ezra Prescod, and president of the Barbados Economic Society (BES), Shane Lowe, said they, personally, would like to see more Independence themes this time of year, they conceded that businesses had to do what was best for their bottom line.

The two, who were guests on yesterday’s Voice Of Barbados’ Brass Tacks Sunday, were weighing in on the apparent preference, by retailers, for Christmas and more recently Black Friday advertising over Independence.

Prescod said the last 11 years had been extremely difficult for the “average” retailer and, as a result, they grabbed at any opportunity to get more sales.

“They have essentially held fast as best as they could over the last couple of years. And now you have a Barbadian society talking about Black Friday sales; so that’s an added complication around how do you market Independence,” he said.

The BCCI president spoke of one “large retailer” who combined playing Independence music with Christmas carols and stringing up Black Friday livery at the same time. (HLE)

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